Molecular phylogeny and symbiotic selectivity of the green algal genus Dictyochloropsis s.l. (Trebouxiophyceae): a polyphyletic and widespread group forming photobiont‐mediated guilds in the lichen family Lobariaceae

• DOI: 10.1111/nph.12678
• Publication Date: 2014-01-21T12:23:18Z
• Authors: Francesco Dal Grande; Andreas Beck; Carolina Cornejo; Garima Singh; Saran Cheenacharoen; Matthew P. Nelsen; Christoph Scheide...
• Keywords: Polyphyly; Green algae

Dictyochloropsis s.l. is an ecologically important, common but little-studied genus of green algae. Here, we examined the diversity and host selectivity algae attributed to this at both species-to-species species-to-community levels. We conducted a molecular investigation 15 cultured strains several lichen photobionts, using 18S rRNA, rbcL ITS sequence data. further used seven alga-specific microsatellite markers study algal sharing among fungi family Lobariaceae in two populations Madeira Taiwan (454 lichens). found that polyphyletic. clade 1 comprises only free-living whereas 2 includes lichenized as well Fungal towards belonging high. Selectivity varies geographically, with photobionts being restricted single region. Finally, showed individuals are shared different fungal hosts communities lichens Lobariaceae. As for other lineages, there high amount cryptic Dictyochloropsis. Furthermore, co-evolution between representatives manifested community level, unrelated species horizontally connected by photobiont clones.